Best Rick Riordan Books, Ranked
Rick Riordan has written over 30 books across five mythology series. Not all are equal. This ranking covers the standouts across the entire Riordan universe, from Percy Jackson through Trials of Apollo.
The best book Riordan has written. The Battle of Manhattan is the emotional and narrative peak of the entire universe.
The one that started everything. Percy's voice, the mythology integration, and the summer-camp-for-demigods concept still feel fresh.
The darkest, most mature book Riordan has written. Percy and Annabeth in Tartarus. The stakes have never been higher.
Greek and Roman demigods finally meet. The quest structure is the best in Heroes of Olympus. The cliffhanger ending is devastating.
The best opening book of any Riordan series after Lightning Thief. Egyptian mythology with dual narrators and a sibling dynamic that works.
The creepiest Percy Jackson book. The Labyrinth is genuinely unsettling and Daedalus is one of Riordan's best characters.
Norse mythology with a more laid-back protagonist. Magnus Chase is Percy's cousin and has his own distinct voice.
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Frequently asked questions
The Last Olympian. The Percy Jackson finale is the peak of the entire Riordan universe.
Percy Jackson (5 books) first. Then Heroes of Olympus (5 books). After that, Kane Chronicles, Magnus Chase, and Trials of Apollo in any order.
Greek (Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus) is the strongest. Egyptian (Kane Chronicles) is underrated. Norse (Magnus Chase) is the most fun.
The short story crossovers (Percy meets Carter Kane, etc.) are fun but optional. Heroes of Olympus is the main crossover and is essential.